With Coyotes’ future in Arizona in doubt, KC mayor and fans hope to land the NHL team
Voters in Tempe rejected plans to build a new arena for the Phoenix Coyotes, leaving the team’s future in Arizona in doubt.
The Coyotes currently play in an arena at Arizona State University, and the team said it will mull its options going forward.
“We are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303. As Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said, it was the best sports deal in Arizona history,” Coyotes President Xavier Gutierrez said, per the Arizona Republic. “What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement about the election defeat.
“The National Hockey League is terribly disappointed by the results of the public referenda regarding the Coyotes’ arena project in Tempe,” Bettman said. “We are going to review with the Coyotes what the options might be going forward.”
It’s no coincidence that Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas on Wednesday sent his best wishes to Bettman.
“Good morning, Kansas City, surrounds, and Gary Bettman,” Lucas wrote on Twitter.
Lucas has made no secret of his desire to have an NBA or NHL team play at the T-Mobile Center, which has lacked an anchor tenant since its opening in 2007.
Hockey fans in Kansas City also liked the idea of the Coyotes relocating to Missouri. Kansas City hasn’t had an NHL team since the Scouts left for Colorado in 1976.
Here is what they were saying on Twitter, starting with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 11:21 AM.
